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John Fogerty Brings the Bayou to New York

On Wednesday night, rock legend John Fogerty performed a free show at New York's South Street Seaport and brought a mix of new songs, classics and a whole bunch of guitarists. The former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman seamlessly shifted between country covers from his latest album, 'The Blue Ridge Rangers Rides Again,' and the guitar-heavy blues rock of his most popular work.

Donning a black cowboy hat and flanked by four guitarists, Fogerty kicked things off with the Everly Brothers' 'When Will I Be Loved' and John Prine's 'Paradise.' The crowd on the pier was enthusiastic for the new material but truly erupted when played CCR's 'Born on the Bayou' and 'Green River.'

The rest of the set mixed new and old material as if Fogerty was leading the audience back and forth between a southern honky tonk and a rocking juke joint. His versions of Delaney and Bonnie's 'Never Ending Song Of Love' and Buck Owens' 'I Don't Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)' -- both off 'Rides Again' -- displayed his touch for heartfelt crooning while his band provided impressive guitar, lap steel, fiddle and mandolin work. The lineup also delivered a bouncy version of Creedence's 'Lookin' Out My Back Door,' but the biggest response from the crowd was when Fogerty's voice and guitar took center stage.

Creedence's 'Keep on Chooglin' kicked off with an impressive finger-tapping guitar intro and continued with extended solos in the middle, with Fogerty also taking a turn on harmonica. He later brought out his signature baseball bat guitar for his 1985 hit 'Centerfield.' With his voice sounding as strong as ever, he capped off the night with string of his greatest hits, 'Bad Moon Rising,' 'Fortunate Son' and 'Proud Mary,' proving that his abilities as a performer are just as enduring as his hits.

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laura johnson

John is so gifted in his music. His voice is like none i ever heard or will hear. I loved him in creedance and his new songs are great. I love 110 in the shade and dont you wish it were true. Keep singing laura

February 26 2010 at 9:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve Warren

John Fogerty is one of rock's greatest songwriters and Creedence Clearwater Revival will always be one of rock's greatest bands.

January 03 2010 at 2:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kent Viesselman

I truly like the idea of the return to the Blue Ridge Rangers. It keep's John's music fresh.
I have been a fan since the beginning when we bought Albums and I still have most of mine.
John is one of my favorite artists.

October 14 2009 at 6:16 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Steve Hackbarth

So good to hear that John is still doing great work! He has been a dedicated, hard-working, gifted musician going way back to those practices we witnessed up in the El Cerrito hills a half century ago. Thanks John for the inspiration and best wishes for continued success.

September 20 2009 at 4:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply